Fire Going Out, Gas Leak Blocked At Gulf Of Mexico Rig

"A drilling crew lost control of the well on Tuesday, then gas escaping from the well caught fire. No one was injured, but the flames heavily damaged a drilling rig owned by Houston-based Hercules Offshore.

"The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement says the well — after spewing gas for more than a day — 'bridged over.' When an out-of-control well bridges over, small pieces of sediment and sand flow into the well path and block more gas from escaping.

"The agency says the fire has since decreased to a small flame, fueled by residual gas at the top of the well."